The head of the New Jersey Police Chiefs Association is arguing this law will make the jobs of his officers more difficult. But we’ve seen no evidence to support that. Common sense tells us quite the opposite: That headlight blinkers help police to reduce speed and improve safety on our roadways. These people deserve merit badges, not municipal court summonses.

Dancer’s legislation is a much-needed reminder: Cops shouldn’t be pulling people over for headlight flashing anyway, because it’s not illegal in this state.

At its core, this is a free speech issue. Flashing headlights is how motorists talk to one another. They’re not just signaling speed traps; they’re warning about road hazards. Police would need a really compelling reason to censor that roadway chatter, such as an imminent danger to public safety. Whatever “distraction” cops see in one or two quick headlight blinks, it doesn’t rise to that level, courts have ruled.